During my third year at university, I went on the standard year abroad that was required for all language students. Setting off to teach in a small city in Valencia, I did what any student would’ve done: I arrived at my destination, set down my bags…and started crying.

If you’re still booking hold luggage for your city break, think again. From extra costs to overpacking, there are other things I’m sure you’d rather worry about than the weight of your suitcase.

Although they offer much needed space, larger suitcases can go from friend to foe in a matter of hours. Nothing ruins the illusion of glamorous travel like pushing an elephant-sized case across busy foreign streets : drivers blast their horns, commuters yell and the app you need to get around the city needs an update. On the plus side, you’ll probably learn a few foreign swear words in the first five minutes of being there.